Kevin Costner Might Have the Answer to the Oil Spill, Robert Redford Speaks Out, and More

If you've been wondering what Kevin Costner's been up to since his Waterworld and Field of Dreams days, you're about to find out: The actor has been working on a "high-speed centrifuge" device, called Ocean Therapy, that's designed to separate oil and water on a massive scale.The New York Daily News reports that the actor has spent more than $26 million on the invention and development of the machine through his company, Costner Industries Nevada Corp., which he runs alongside his brother. BP agreed to test out six of the machines this week: they work by sucking in contaminated water, dividing the water and oil, and returning water that's nearly 100 percent clean. The London Daily Mail quoted Costner as saying three years ago that he'd spent a fortune on developments that had gone unused: "I've lost $40 million plus, but I knew that if I was right, it would change things in an incredibly positive way."

Baldwin and Redford Take on the Oil Spill

But Costner isn't the only celebrity who's focusing on the oil spill: Stephen Baldwin, in Cannes this week, has been spreading the word about his upcoming documentary, The Will to Drill, which addresses the hazards of offshore drilling. Not that he plans to place all the blame on BP: "This is not a blame game," he told Mother Nature Network. "Everyone is to blame for this oil thing, for our over-dependence on it. Not just one company." Robert Redford also chimed in, posting a piece in support of the American Power Act, which he says "is a significant step toward cutting our dependence on fossil fuels, limiting carbon pollution, and encouraging businesses to shift to clean energy sources." Read the entire piece at The Huffington Post.

Seinfeld's Super-Sized Donation

In the weeks since severe flooding damaged Nashville, celebrities who love the city have opened their pockets to flood relief efforts, from Vince Gill, who hosted a telethon that brought in nearly $2 million, to Taylor Swift, who gave $500,000. Next month, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw will host a benefit concert with performances from Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, and others. But it's not just country stars who are helping out: comedian Jerry Seinfeld agreed to divide all of the proceeds from Friday's Nashville show between the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. As he told the Associated Press, "This is a tough time for a great city, and I'm very happy to donate the proceeds from this show to the local organizations that are bringing help where it's needed." (Via Christian Science Monitor)

Hynde Performs for Rescued Farm Animals

Singer--and animal lover--Chrissie Hynde teamed up with Welsh singer/songwriter JP Jones for her new project, JP, Chrissie, and the Fairground Boys; while their first album doesn't hit shelves until August, you can get a preview listen of their sound with a benefit concert at Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary next weekend. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair to this outdoor, acoustic concert--and feel good about knowing that proceeds go to benefit the rescued animals that Woodstock cares for. (Via Ecorazzi)